House Under Vault in Fujian Province

Beijing studio Vector Architects carried out the renovation of an old house built on a rocky cliff on a peninsula in Fujian Province, China.

After careful study, the designers decided to add a 12-centimeter concrete wall to the original brick masonry. This strategy brought additional benefits, significantly improving the quality of the space. Adding the new concrete wall allowed for internal room reconfiguration and provided the structural strength required for a third floor added to the existing building.

Additional thickness of the exterior walls enabled wide window niches to accommodate furniture — seating areas and even tables. The new openings feature concrete frames that extend well beyond the wall surface, preventing rainwater from entering.

Preventing leaks was also a major reason for adding the curved vault to the new upper level, which ensures rapid water runoff. The space under the vault houses a multi-functional living area that can serve as a guest room, gym, event space, or private chapel for Christian owners.